Trek Notes - England

Mendip Way

Mendip Way

General Information
The Mendips is a ridge of low, flat-topped limestone hills stretching eastwards from the Bristol Channel, that rise abruptly from the flat expanses of the Somerset Levels. The landscape, which has changed little in centuries, is an enchanting mix of broad-backed hills of open grassland with far-reaching views, pastures enclosed by dry stone walls, dew ponds, ancient woodland, rocky outcrops, combes, caves, sink holes and spectacular deep gorges.

The Mendip Way traverses the entire length of the Mendip Hills from the old Roman port of Uphill near Weston-super-Mare to the historic market town of Frome. It encounters Wookey Hole, one of Britain's most impressive caves that is steeped in history and legend; takes in the spectacular deep gash of Cheddar Gorge; visits Ebbor Gorge Nature Reserve, a lovely wooded valley with evidence of inhabitation going back to Neolithic times; passes through many villages of great charm and antiquity; visits the historic market towns of Shepton Mallet and Frome; and explores Wells, England's smallest and most beautiful city. In addition to its cathedral, which is one of the finest in Britain, other buildings of interest in Wells include the moated Bishop's Palace, the Market Place and Vicars' Close, claimed to be the most complete medieval street in Europe.

Other sites of historical interest along the trail include Neolithic earthworks, Bronze Age barrows, Iron Age hill forts, medieval monuments and lead mining remains dating from Roman to Victorian times.

Travel Information
Total Distance: 50 miles (80km)
Duration: 6 nights, 5 walking days
Minimum/maximum daily distances: 8 miles (13km)/12 miles (19km)
Waymarking: The Mendip Way is extensively waymarked and is very easy to follow.
Season: All year
Starting point of holiday: Uphill, Weston-super-Mare
End of holiday: Frome
Most convenient railway station (start of trail): Weston-super-Mare
Onward travel: There is a frequent bus service between Weston-super-Mare and Uphill (First (Somerset and Avon) Service 5).   The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
Most convenient railway station (end of trail): Frome

Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Uphill

Day 2: Uphill to Shipham. 12 miles (19km)

Day 3: Shipham to Draycott. 8 miles (13km)

Day 4: Draycott to Wells.10 miles (16km)

Day 5: Wells to Shepton Mallet. 8 miles (13km)

Day 6: Shepton Mallet to Frome.12 miles (19km)

Day 7: Depart from Frome

Accommodation & Meals
6 nights accommodation in en-suite rooms with private bathrooms (where available) in selected hotels, inns and guesthouses along the trail.

Traditional cooked breakfast

What’s Included
Door to door luggage transfer.
Maps with the route marked on and a guidebook describing the trail.
An information pack containing an itinerary, instructions on how to find your accommodation each night, town plans, information about facilities and places of interest along the trail and a kit list.
Detailed travel instructions on how to get to the start of your holiday and back from the end of it.
Emergency assistance.